India Considers Social Media Restrictions for Children Amid Global Trends

Thu Feb 05 2026 07:21:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As concerns about children's safety online rise, Indian lawmakers look to Australia as a model for restricting social media use under the age of 16. Experts warn of the challenges involved in implementing such restrictions.

In India, a growing debate on banning social media access for children under 16 is underway, influenced by Australia's recent legislation. While some Indian ministers support the idea, experts highlight potential legal and enforcement difficulties. The discussions reflect a broader global trend, with similar considerations appearing in countries like France and the UK.

A debate around banning social media for children under 16 is gathering momentum in India, with ministers in several states considering laws similar to a recent regulation in Australia.

Ministers in at least two southern states have stated they are evaluating the effectiveness of a ban on accessing social media for children. According to the annual Economic Survey, led by India's chief economic adviser, there are recommendations for the federal government to consider implementing age-based limits on social media usage.

In Australia, the first country to introduce such a ban, social media platforms must now verify users' ages to prevent underage accounts. This has drawn criticism from the platforms involved, indicating challenges in enforcing age restrictions.

Experts caution that implementing a ban in India could face significant obstacles, including legal challenges and issues related to age verification. Digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa points out that verifying user ages and enforcing state-level bans would be complicated due to the inaccuracies in determining user locations through IP addresses.

Despite concerns, some lawmakers and parents suggest that truly addressing the issue requires not only regulatory changes but also parental engagement and education on managing children's time online. As discussions continue, states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are exploring frameworks for responsible digital usage.

While some parents welcome the idea of restrictions, others emphasize the need for parents to be more involved in their children's lives, cautioning that without proper engagement, bans may be ineffective.